March 21, 2021
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
Vol. 26, Issue 09
“Addressing Current & Historical Realties Affecting Our Community”
THE HONORABLE SENFRONIA THOMPSON By: N.L. Preston
In recognition of Women’s History Month, we salute Texas Representative Senfronia Thompson, who was just honored by Booker T. Washington High School, her alma mater, with the auditorium being named after her. The honor is well-deserved for a woman who has been a true champion fighting for social, economic and Thompson cont’d page 7
- CHIEF TROY FINNER -
IT’S ABOUT TIME
By: Roy Douglas Malonson
All eyes were on Mayor Sylvester Turner this week as he had a tough decision of determining who would fill the role left vacant by Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo, who decided to leave the Bayou City to lead the Miami Police Department. The people were left to wonder, who would be our next ‘top cop’? Well, the wait is over and, it really was the obvious long overdue choice. Troy Finner is the new chief of police. “Executive Assistant Chief Finner is highly regarded in the Houston Police Department and has earned the trust and respect of our diverse com-
munity. He possesses a style of leadership best described as quiet with a strong demeanor,” said Mayor Turner. “He has never hesitated to lead from the front during major events, civil unrest, and protests. He embraces the use of technology and datadriven analysis in the reduction of crime.” Acevedo said he was not looking for a new position when he was presented with the offer to serve as chief of police in Miami, but decided to take the opportunity due to the fact that this is Turner’s final term as mayor, ending in January 2024. It is customary for new administrations to bring in their own leadership teams. Acevedo assured that Finner cont’d page 7
TSU MARCH MADNESS
The Texas Southern University Men’s Basketball Team has scored another historical win for HBCUs after beating Mount Saint Mary’s, who is one of the nation’s top 25 colleges, 60-52 in the first NCAA tournament game of the season. Due to the COVID pandemic, there hasn’t been an NCAA game since Virginia beat Texas Tech on April 8, 2019 — a span of 710 days. After multiple setbacks and delays, the Tigers were forced to play four TSU cont’d page 4
WASH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY • AVOID PUBLIC SPACES OR EVENTS WITH MORE THAN 10 PATRONS • SANITIZE AND STOCK UP • AVOID TOUCHING YOUR EYES, NOSE AND MOUTH • PRACTICE GOOD HYGIENE